Two recent events at Sun City Peachtree were geared at raising toys and clothing items for Spalding County children to receive for Christmas. Both events ended up generating more than 400 toys.

Last Saturday kicked off with the Santa Claus Open, organized by Craig Martin, the general manager at the Canongate at Sun City golf club. The golf tournament, held for the third time in the retirement community, drew 72 participants.

Later that day, the Putting for Kids Christmas event took place at the golf course for the first time. The event, put together by Sun City Peachtree resident David Scherr and 22 helpers from Pod 30, saw 85 people join.

“It met my expectations,” said Scherr. “We want to make that an annual event.”

Scherr gave credit to the six Griffin area businesses that contributed to the success of both events — Cronic, Ingles, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Speedway Ford — and said the focus of the day was on helping out local children.

“Craig (Martin) believes every child should have a present to open on Christmas morning,” Scherr said.

Martin, who has taken the lead in bringing the Santa Claus Open to a number of different golf clubs for many years, said he was happy with the outcome.

“Any year with a kid getting a toy that wouldn’t have gotten a toy (otherwise), it’s a good year,” he said.

All toys will be delivered to the Spalding County Children Services. From there, they will be distributed to the children in need.